Rebuilding Jerusalem

No matter how Mrs. Clinton may scold, the Jewish people are rebuilding Jerusalem.

In the middle of the most important Jewish neighborhood in the world’s most important Jewish city was a ruin. This ruin in the middle of Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter of the walled Old City (the only Jerusalem that existed until the mid-19th century) was no ordinary ruin. It was the ruin of what had been the Hurva Synagogue, the largest and most magnificent synagogue in the Holy Land. And, unlike other ruins that dot the Old City, this ruin was not caused by the natural erosion of eras. The Hurva Synagogue was destroyed on one day, on May 27, 1948, in one malicious, devastating act. As soon as the Jewish residents were vanquished from that part of the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Legion exploded a bomb at the top of the massive dome.

Or so the official story goes. I was shocked, however, to see a photograph in a book called For the Sake of Jerusalem. It shows a uniformed Arab soldier wearing a keffiya standing on a pile of debris in the Hurva. The dome and one wall are missing, but three walls of the monumental building remain. Obviously, the Hurva, which stood 24 meters high, was too massive to destroy easily. The Arab conquerors of the Old City had to work hard to decimate what had been the glory of the Jewish community of Palestine.

Puah Shteiner, who was a little girl living in the Jewish Quarter in 1948, described (in her gripping book, Forever My Jerusalem) the grandeur of the Hurva: its white marble floor, its high walls with their three stories of stained glass windows, its holy Ark (two stories high) on the Eastern wall overlaid with gold, its many shining chandeliers, and its massive dome, painted sky blue and strewn with stars.

The Hurva was the site for all important events for the Jewish community of Palestine. There the Chief Rabbis were inaugurated. There the representatives of the Ottoman and British governments honored the community on festive occasions. There Lord Herbert Samuel, the first Lord High Commissioner of the British Mandate for Palestine, himself a Jew and a Zionist, was called to the Torah upon his arrival in 1920.

After the Old City was liberated during the Six-Day War of 1967, the Israeli government set about rebuilding the Jewish Quarter. The Jordanians, who had controlled the Old City for 19 years, had destroyed or desecrated all of the dozens of synagogues in the Jewish Quarter. The beautiful Sephardi Yohannon ben Zakkai Synagogue had been used as a garbage dump. It took months just to empty out the garbage before the building could be restored. As for the Hurva, however, nothing remained except the eastern wall and the bima. The rubble was cleared out, and an arch was constructed commemorating the location and size of the original southern arch of the building. This arch, representing former glory and destruction, became the symbol of the Jewish quarter.

Twice Built

The synagogue was first built in 1701 by the followers of Rabbi Yehuda HaHasid, who brought a large contingent of Ashkenazi Jews from Germany and Moravia. Rabbi Yehuda, however, died three days after arriving in Jerusalem. His struggling community could not pay the interest on the debts they owed their Arab creditors, nor the heavy taxes imposed on non-Muslim residents. After 20 years, the Arabs banished the Ashkenazi Jews and burned down the synagogue with its 40 Torah scrolls. For the next century and a half the synagogue lay in ruins, thus conferring on it the name “Hurva,” which means “ruin” in Hebrew.

In the early 19th century, followers of the Goan of Vilna arrived en masse in Jerusalem. In 1836, one of those followers obtained official permission to rebuild the Hurva. Funds were collected from Jews throughout the world, and the Ottoman Sultan’s own architect designed the Byzantine building. In 1864, the splendid synagogue was dedicated. It was officially named “Beit Yaakov,” after Baron Jacob Rothschild, but everyone called it the Hurva.

The Dedication

I have lived in the Jewish Quarter for the last 25 years. I have seen friends married in the ruins of the Hurva. I have worshipped on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in services held in the ruins of the Hurva. And every time I passed the giant arch, I have felt galled and saddened at the loss of the splendor we once had that was so viciously destroyed.

But this week my sadness turned to euphoria as the rebuilt Hurva, after four years of construction, was dedicated. The three days of festivities culminated on Tuesday, March 16, the first day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. Here in Israel, where everything is symbolic, this date was chosen because the Tabernacle built by Moses in the desert after the Exodus was dedicated on the first day of the Hebrew month of Nissan. From a religious standpoint, the timing was perfect.

From a geopolitical standpoint, however, the timing was terrible. During Vice President Biden’s visit the week before, the building of 1600 units in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo had been announced. The Vice President was livid at what he perceived as an “insult” to American interests in advancing the fragile “peace process” with the Arabs. Then, with the impending dedication of the Hurva Synagogue in what the U.S. considers “contested” East Jerusalem, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton scolded Prime Minister Netanyahu for a full 43 minutes on the phone. The situation devolved into the worst crisis in U.S.-Israel relations in more than three decades. Instead of attending the Dedication ceremonies, Prime Minister Netanyahu sent a video of his greetings.

The most furious reaction to the Hurva dedication, however, came from the Arabs, who rioted in East Jerusalem and other areas of Israel. For the day of the dedication itself, the Hamas terrorists called for a “Day of Rage,” with the Imams whipping up their followers by proclaiming that the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount is under attack, that the reconstruction of the Hurva is the first step toward rebuilding the Temple.

I was privileged to attend the morning worship on the first day that regular services were resumed, after 62 years, in the Hurva. The prayer leader got to the blessing for Jerusalem, “And to Jerusalem Your city please return in mercy, and rest Your Presence amidst her as You prophesized, and build her soon in our days, an eternal building…” When he reached the conclusion of the blessing, he yelled out the words that reverberated from the massive dome: “Blessed are You God, WHO BUILDS JERUSALEM.”

Jews have uttered that prayer three times a day every day for the last 2,000 years. Jews have uttered that prayer in ancient Rome, in medieval Europe, in exile ships setting sail from Spain, in Czarist Russia’s Pale of Settlement, in Auschwitz, in modern America, and in Israeli tanks protecting the northern border. The rebuilding of the Hurva is an answer to that prayer, a fulfillment of God’s promise. And no amount of scolding by Secretary of State Clinton can mute the jubilation of that fulfillment.

Jewish Response to Destruction

A cloud of gloom has settled over Israel. Prospects for peace are nil, terrorist organizations hold sway at the borders of Lebanon and Gaza, Israel’s own Arab population has become radicalized and implacable, Iran is within a year of building a nuclear bomb that could destroy this tiny state, Israel’s “right to exist” is being challenged by public intellectuals and academics the world over, Europe treats Israel like a pariah, and now the Obama administration is deriding the democratically elected leader of Israel in a way it would never dare to treat any other head of state.

The Jewish spirit can be temporarily routed, but never vanquished.

The rebuilding of the Hurva is the Jewish answer to the specter of destruction. Twice destroyed, the Hurva stands again in splendor. Its message is that the spirit of the Jewish people can be temporarily routed, but never vanquished. The eternity of the Jewish people was promised by God. The resiliency of the Jewish people issues from their faith in that so-unlikely-but-miraculously-fulfilled Divine promise.

At the entrance to the Hurva on the first day of the dedication, I found myself standing in line behind Puha Shteiner, whose book Forever My Jerusalem relates her personal account of thetraumatic fall of the Jewish Quarter in 1948. Her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents had been born in theOld City and had prayed in the Hurva Synagogue.

As a child she had loved the magnificent synagogue. The day before she had been expelled from her home with the defeat of the Jewish defenders, she had heard the frightening explosion that signaled the destruction of her beloved Hurva. After the liberation of the Old City in 1967, Mrs. Shteiner was one of the first residents to move back into the Jewish Quarter. As we entered the rebuilt synagogue, I asked her if she had ever dreamed she would pray again in the Hurva. With tears in her eyes, she shook her head.

The resurrected Hurva proves that the Jewish return to the Land of Israel and Jerusalem is inexorable. Described by the Prophets over and over again, the Jewish People’s return and rebuilding is a Divine promise. It can be delayed. It can cost us thousands of lives in war and terrorism. It can be denounced and condemned by America, Europe, and the entire world. But it cannot be stopped. Because we are the Eternal People. We are back and we are building.

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About the Author

Sara Yoheved Rigler is the author of God Winked: Tales and Lessons from my Spiritual Adventures, as well as the bestsellers: Holy Woman, Lights from Jerusalem, and Battle Plans: How to Fight the Yetzer Hara(with Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller). She is a popular international lecturer on subjects of Jewish spirituality. She has given lectures and workshops in Israel, England, Switzerland, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, Canada, and over thirty American cities. A graduate of Brandeis University, after fifteen years of practicing and teaching meditation and Eastern philosophy, she discovered "the world's most hidden religion: Torah Judaism." Since 1985, she has been living as a Torah-observant Jew in the Old City of Jerusalem with her husband and two children. She presents a highly-acclaimed Marriage Workshop for women [seewww.kesherwife.com] as well as a Gratitude Workshop. To invite her to your community, please write to info@sararigler.com.

Visitor Comments: 48

(47)
Renee,
August 11, 2010 9:40 PM

Man plans, G-d laughs

God doesn't do evil or ugly. Ugly and evil is using Yohannon ben Zakkai Synagogue as a garbage dump. Ugly and evil is how the Temple Mount is currently being cared for (or not, actually). And finally, shamefully, ugly is our Sec'y of State Clinton and V.P. Biden who are angry about rebuilding the Hurva Temple? Our US statesmen are angry about creating something beautiful where there was once ruins and destruction? Oy. Prime Minister Netanyahu: You have extraordinary patience to tolerate 43 minutes, or even 3 minutes of Clinton 'berating' you for ANYTHING. I suggest next time you use the hold button. As for us Jews: Time to take back the Temple Mount.
So, already, we have enemies that have trashed our temples; US politicans who are rude idiots and clueless; and in spite of it all, in opposition to all the evil that seeks to be ugly, out of the destruction arises something of awesome beauty and holiness: the rebuilt Hurva Synagogue.
Keep building Israel. Take back the Temple Mount.
Keep G-d laughing.

(46)
zooey,
April 9, 2010 12:47 PM

No EVIDENCE of Iranian "nukes" Iran has pride as does Israel...

My main point is that Rigler claims Iran will have nukes in a year's time and that she offers no evidence to back that up.
Iran and Israel are not on the same footing when it comes to "mutually destruction." Today's Washington Post [4/9] published that "As of 2005, Israel was believed to have 250 to 500 nuclear weapons, according to GlobalSecurity.org, but it has never confirmed or denied their existence."
Iran has obviously more to fear from the reality of a nuclear strike by Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu now refuses to attend President Obama's conference on nuclear weapons because he supposed fears MidEast criticism of Israel's stockpile of nuclear weapons.
In my opinion, all of the fears of the "end of the world" are based on religion and not fact; that applies to 3 of the world's religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
As far as "trust" in the use of nuclear weapons applies, I would point out that the only nation to have actually used nuclear weapons has been the United States of America.
73 million Iranians have more to fear from annihilation than do 6 million Jews despite the Jewish tendency towards "exceptionalism" as far as Jews are concerned.

(45)
queen esther,
April 8, 2010 7:30 PM

Zooey do you really think the Iranians could be trusted with nukes. The only reason why the US and USSR had mutually assured destruction was because the Russians weren't crazy enough to attack. The current leader in Iran talks about the end of the world all the time.

(44)
Alexander Huzau,
April 6, 2010 8:32 PM

Know the past, build the future!

Since 1948, Israel has repeatedly invited the Arabs to live together in peace. A noble gesture, knowing the past, isn't it? More wanted? Impossible, the maximum was already offered.
Just build your wonderful country further and say NO to each extortion tentative!

(43)
Zooey,
April 5, 2010 11:50 AM

Evidence for Iran's bomb timetable?

Sara Y. Rigler says that Iran will have a nuclear weapon in one year's time. She offers no evidence to support that claim.
The IAEA monitors Iran's uranium enrichment and reports only industrial strength enrichment of approx 5%. It takes over 90% enrichement to produce plutonium for an atomic weapon.
As for the "tiny" state of Israel, one should point out that Israel has an estimated stockpile of 200 nuclear weapons.
Obviously, Iran is more open to destruction by such weapons than is Israel, right now.
The US and Russia co-existed for years with a Mutual Destruction policy. I see no reason why Iran and Israel can't exist on the same terms.

Laine,
May 4, 2014 12:45 AM

Iran's Intentions

Since 1979,Iran's intentions towards Israel have been perfectly clear.Iran seeks to" wipe Israel from from the pages of history".It's leadership is both EVIL and CRAZY and they are perfectly capable of launching a nuclear attack on Israel-even if the Islamic Republic is destroyed by Israeli retaliation.MAD doesn't work with crazies.

(42)
Peter,
March 31, 2010 4:45 PM

Rebuilding

As one who is in the process of learning about the Noahide Laws I was moved and delighted recently to stand in Hurva Square, and indeed to eat and drink in Hurva Square and sense the growing and living community that thrives there.
May HaShem bless Jerusalem and all of Israel.
,

(41)
George,
March 30, 2010 3:15 AM

Many of us in USA support You

There are many of us in the USA who support Israel's right to build and believe our current administration doesn't understand that there is no reason to give in to terrorists when they have shown no true desire for peace.

(40)
Thomas Czech,
March 28, 2010 10:52 PM

Time to let America dictate to Israel

The time has come to tell America that they do not rule Israel or the world. God Bless Israel and all those who stand with her in all her glory. As a Canadian I do not stand behind you, I stand along side you. God Bless you!

(39)
Anonymous,
March 28, 2010 2:14 AM

WE ARE BUILDING!!!

Netanyahu / Israel should stand up to its friends / america. Otherwise, how will it stand up against it's enemies. "We are back and we are building." Praise Hashem who builds Jerusalem !!!!

(38)
naomi,
March 25, 2010 6:06 PM

magnificant, Sarah. You honor hasham, our holy nation, and the holy city of Jerusalem. Your words give needed strength and proper perspective. You are a very great asset to our nation and country. With love and blessingsfor you and your family. chag samaach.. naomi

(37)
Doron me Zichron,
March 25, 2010 5:17 PM

I Like It!!!!

Thanks Sara! We all seem to know that there is some cosmic force at work here, but refuse to subjugate ourselves to it. We all know... Hillary knows it, and the Arabs know it too! They may not like it, but Hashem is, literally, paving the way for Mashiach!!!! I only wish we could do it as a team. All the Jews and all the Non Jews together...

(36)
Harad,
March 24, 2010 7:03 PM

Thanks for having the courage to post that Mr Waldman

I don't know that giving away land is the answer but I agree that Israel needs the protection of the US to survive!

(35)
vera meschoulam,
March 24, 2010 6:42 PM

RUGHT !

(34)
Chana Leah,
March 23, 2010 11:25 PM

TRUTH IS TRUTH, NO MATTER WHAT CLINTON MAY SAY!!

the rebuilding of the churva is a wonderful and beautiful thing and all jews need to recognize, and not care what other nations say about it! i can't wait to come daven there the next time i'm in yerushalayim!

(33)
Anonymous,
March 23, 2010 6:08 PM

Build Jerusalem Build!!!!

Jerusalem go ahead and build--& prepare a place for me--I'll be there someday--& I will need a place to live. I will dwell among you & you will be my people, and all those gathered from the east to the west. ANNOUNCE: "The Jews are coming home, to be all together, in our own land, and there will be peace in Jerusalem once again!"

(32)
Jane USA,
March 23, 2010 4:56 PM

Hand in there. It's almost Friday.

Worry not what what Mrs. Clinton thinks or what Obama thinks. They won't be there forever. Israel will. That's a promise and there's rainbow in the sky to remind HIM. Trials help to grow our love for each other and for the Almighty One. Keep close to Him and do what is right. He will handle the rest. That's what Joshua and Caleb believed. They're the ones that got there. Don't fear the giants.

(31)
Carol,
March 23, 2010 4:03 AM

Hillary Clinton does not speak for the people

Like this new Obamacare bill passed yesterday it was not what the American people wanted but what the political leaders wanted. Same goes for our feelings toward Israel, most people are with Israel please don't judge us by these political leaders.

(30)
ZACK613,
March 22, 2010 7:44 PM

NEVER AGAIN!

Never to﻿ be Chruva Again!!
Next Tiferet Yisrael & then the Beit HaBechrera!!

(29)
Yitzchak Moskowitz,
March 22, 2010 4:41 PM

land for peace was done already

Well, Gaza was made Judenrein. And we are overwhelmed with peace with our neighbors, right? We give back Gaza, then East Jerusalem, then will have peace, right? Okay Gaza, East Jerusalem, Yehuda vshomrom. Then we will definitely have peace. (Keep slicing away... peace by piece)
NOT ONE MORE INCH!!!

(28)
KEREN,
March 22, 2010 4:27 PM

MRS CLINTON INDEED

I am glad to hear that the synagogue is being rebuilt! It would be wonderful to have it ready in time for Passach, would it not?
As for Mrs. Clinton - and yes, I'm an American Jew saying this - she needs to butt out, no offense meant, and simply support Y'srael. It is my opinion that she really isn't qualified to be a diplomat; I'd have sent Bill instead. Blessings to All...

(27)
Beverly Kurtin,
March 22, 2010 4:14 PM

Politicians and Magicians

Have you ever wondered how magicians manage to perform some of the seemingly miraculous tricks they do? How about politicians? The trick is to never let the audience see the hand that is not moving. Yes, the Secretary of State Clinton talked with the Prime Minister of Israel; none of is is privy to what was said, but I cannot imagine PM Netanyahu taking a 43 minute chewing out (as it has been described) by anyone, let alone a devoted friend of Israel. Was there a real mistake? Yup. Some minor official had to shoot off their mouth and say that they were going to put up 1600 settlements when what they might have done is a. keep their mouth shut or b. make the point that the APARTMENTS would be built on Israeli soil. The agreement was a hold on building on the West Bank. So mistake were made and that too will blow over.
Again, however, keep in mind the politicians and magicians among us; the "magic" is not done in sight; it is done behind the scene.
To all of my brothers and sisters world wide I wish you each a wonderful Pesach.

(26)
Monica,
March 22, 2010 4:05 PM

Waldman stop calling yourself a Zionist, you are anything but that

Our time is represented by distorted words with opposite meaning and people who don't differentiate betwen good and evil. If Israel succeded fighting for 60 years and survive it's because G-d's miracles not US's anything.

(25)
Andy,
March 22, 2010 1:35 PM

it seems to me with minor modifications #18 Mr Waldman speaks for many Jews .Not hard to envisiom a scenario where Israel would cease building in East Jerusalem

Not Just Biden and Clinton but the former 2 governments of Israel led by Olmert and Barak where willing to negotiate re E. Jerusalem. Every major player on the Int'l scene believes that Israel is agreeable to a return to modified 67 borders with minor land swaps if the Palestinians recognize a Jewish State within those borders and give up the right of return to within those borders. That seems unlikely but it seems to me if that was to change which is what the USA through Mitchell is pushing then Jewish building in E.Jerusalem would cease. .Until then it seems to me that building everywhere in Jerusalem makes perfect political sense.

(24)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2010 11:23 AM

Thank you.

G-d will complete the good thing He started. Amen!

(23)
Yaakov,
March 22, 2010 11:12 AM

# 18 - Are you serious?

Mr. Waldman, I don't know what cave you've been living in, but the 'Land for Peace' model has proven to be a pipe dream and a failure. In 2000, Israel offered the Palestinians 97% of the West Bank, plus an additional 3% of land in 'Israel Proper' in exchange for a peace settlement. The Palestinians proceeded to unleash riots and terrorist attacks in what is now known as the 'Second Intifada'. Furthermore, Israel's withdrawal from Southern Lebanon and Gaza has been met not with 'peace', but with war in the North and unmitigated missle fire in the south. As long as we're quoting Prime Ministers, Golda Meir once said,' Israel will not die so that the world with think better of it'. This needs to be our mantra when dealing with pressure from the nations of the world, in addition to realizing that Israel could not exist for even 10 minutes would it not be for the protection of our Father in Heaven. May the Jewish people continue to fulfill the prophecies made to our ancestors, and rebuild our ancient homeland!

(22)
Philippe,
March 22, 2010 11:11 AM

The true support of Israël

I agree that America is a great friend of Israël, but the real support of Israël and its people is from the Almighty. He has helped Israël to survive, spiritually and as a nation, and this is where we should put our trust. America is here today, but it may be gone tomorrow, but the Almighty will be with us for ever.
The rebuilding of this magnificent synagogue is for the glory of G.od, He who has willed that the earth and all it contains exist. May we trust in Him and keep praying for universal peace.

(21)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2010 11:10 AM

Keep Building! I disagree with Mr Waldman!

Excellent article Mrs Rigkler and aish.com
I must disagree with the previous comment by Mr Waldman. The Arabs don't want a Jewish homeland FULL STOP.
They are intend on its destruction (Heaven forbid!) No matter how many concessions we make they want more.
Mr Waldman we gave back Kush Katif (Gaza) and what did we get murderous fantaical Hamas and katashua rocket. Does this again show us that giving back land is not the answer??!!! Only by remaining steadfast and not giving back an inch can we hope to go the distance!
(Albeit You may right about the timing of these announcements you are wrong re: ceding any land and the disaster it brings)

(20)
Greg,
March 22, 2010 4:47 AM

I am proud!

I am proud of my historic motherland!

(19)
Anonymous,
March 22, 2010 2:51 AM

Thank you

Very Dear Ms. Rigler:
You have written another awesome, memorable narrative!
Yes, as previous commentators have stated, the world this past week has been particuliarly, vehement in its vitriol towards us and towards Israel. Yet, in the midst of it all, you remind us, that our 'strength and power' resides in lofty realms which supersede all hatred, destruction and ill-will focused on us. It boggles the mind that Peoples and Nations seriously believe that their finite thought can take on prophecy, Torah, Israel, Am Yisroel, and somehow, have their way. It is as though, no one remembers Jewish History, no one remembers that their g-d was Jewish, and that their religions were 'plagiarized and re-arranged' to suit their 'intenttions' - all finite. The Jewish Homeland and its Capital Jerusalem, has been, is and will always be ours. Only the true owners of a sacred space, would treat it as we do, with sanctity, respect, and remeberance - eternally

(18)
David Waldman,
March 22, 2010 2:22 AM

You may be right, but you are dead wrong.

I agree it is great that the HUrva Synagogue was re-built, but Israel hangs by the single thread of the support of the U.S. If they stop, no one will take their place. It is time for all the religious nuts to understand that I and many other Zionists agree with Hilary Clinton. Ben Gurion once said that Israel does not want any additional land. Stop building additional settlements and prepare to give up land for peace.

(17)
Sharon,
March 22, 2010 2:03 AM

After commenting here, tell the White House how you feel

Yashar koach for a beautifully inspiring story and reminding us of who we are and were meant to be. I urge each of you who take the time to read and comment here to now go tohttp://www.whitehouse.gov/contact and shoot a quick note off to the White House and your other elected officials to let them know how you feel. Your voice matters and the current administration needs to know that Israel is important to us and we won't stand by and let them belittle, attack, and undermine our holy land.

(16)
Kathleen,
March 22, 2010 1:47 AM

In fefense of Mrs. Clinton and President Obama.

They are great friends of Israel, over and above the effort they are making to bring peace to Israel/Palestine. Please don't allow pettiness to enter into your judgment of their actions. They are first and foremost representatives of the United States. That is their job and duty. What on the surface may offend you perhaps is a needed ingredient of their talks with Arab Muslims. We all know how difficult that is. We just hope it is not impossible.

(15)
ruth,
March 22, 2010 12:17 AM

a beautiful synagogue is rebuilt

I am so glad The Hurva has been rebuilt and with thanks for the history in this article. No, it doesn't look good right now, in terms of history and what's happening, and yet, you are right about the biblical past and present, and surely there is something about Israel, that is such story. I wonder often, why it is, that there are Divine promises and then so much bloodshed. In fact, I often wonder about story itself, as in, Why THIS story, the story of our heritage, the stories not just ours, that do dominate our consciousness, when there could have been so many other stories to fill our collective consciousness. Why these?
Now I perceive that the story itself, the keys, are in the Hebrew letters and beyond, meaning language itself, perhaps what is hidden and can be brought to light. I see this, because I deconstruct language, a gift I did not always have, and yet... I know, despite this sorrow, this burden of sorrow, that God redeems all promises, and that this is a Divine story. And also, a story that must involve us all, meaning Jew and non Jew alike.
I do deeply believe that there is a solution and that somehow, by some Act of God, something miraculous, perhaps a solution not brought forth yet, will usher in an era of goodwill is this beautiful, embattled and symbolic region of the world, and home to so many.
Jerusalem, of Gold.

(14)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2010 11:26 PM

Rebuilding Jerusalem

Chaya, you wrote a great paragraph, until you said "the world will stand with Israel," if only that were true. Israel has and will always stand by itself, and we have seen example after example of this. There have been so many distortions and misconception, rumors and diatribe against Israel, while very few nations truly rally for Israel. As someone previously said, "has even one nation or person in power spoken out about the despicable honoring of a woman suicide bomber, by naming a square after her"? And they won't. It is only we Jews, and perhaps a few others, but most importantly g-d, who will stand by Israel.

(13)
Alan S.,
March 21, 2010 11:12 PM

Don't be surprised that because of their mistreatment of Israel at this critical time, Obama and Hillary will both be one term officials. Both Hillary and Obama should know better than to demean a sovereign nation over Arab propaganda.

(12)
Rachel,
March 21, 2010 9:17 PM

Israel can't have it both ways

If Israel wants to continue to receive US aid, it should show far more respect to its major ally. If Israel wants to do as it pleases, then it should stop the charade of expecting the US to devote its money, and its leaders' time, to a peace agreement.

(11)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2010 7:58 PM

Nichamti

Dearest Mrs. Rigler,
Your beautiful article is a great, great comfort after a week of nastiness towards Jews and Israel emanating from the highest echelons of our U.S. government. The beautiful new Churva synagogue rises to the glory of our Creator while our head of state and his band of perfidious sidekicks fall lower and lower in pandering to murderers and glorifiers of murder. Your words are a reminder of Who runs the world, and of the eternity of Yerushalayim as the geographic center of Eretz Yisroel and Am Yisroel. The spirit and confidence of your article are inspirational.

(10)
Chaya,
March 21, 2010 7:40 PM

JERUSALEM FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Thank you! We Americans have known Hillary Clinton's two faced attitude towards the Jews going back to her kiss to Mrs. Arafat when she was First Lady. She kissed up to New York's Jewish population when she decided to become senator. She cannot be trusted. She has always spoken out of both sides of her mouth. If she and President Obama don't wake up and smell the coffee soon, they're going to find themselves unemployed. The civilized world will stand with Israel. Jerusalem's old city has been liberated-never to fall back into Arab hands and is ours to build in.

(9)
rotimi sanni,
March 21, 2010 6:53 PM

jerusalem belongs to israel

if all that the palestinians want is a capital city, they may have one after their own image and not jerusalem, the capital of israel. the world should steer clear and not give its support to the man of pride and ambition whose pre-occupation is to hinder his neighbour's legitimate desire to peaceably lead his own life according to values he cherishes rather than pursue his own.

(8)
Dena,
March 21, 2010 6:33 PM

Yes!

We are back and we are building!!!!!
Thanks for another excellent and well written article.

(7)
Marsha,
March 21, 2010 6:32 PM

Jerusalem..

..is Jewish, Israel was given to us by G-d in the Torah, and no American president now or in the future has the right to change that fact. Israel is a sovereign country and needs to act in the best interests of her citizens and the Jewish people, not the US. Thank you for sharing this auspicious event, Mrs. Rigler.

(6)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2010 5:54 PM

A truly inspiring story and an excellent example to all.
A European

(5)
Chaim Zev,
March 21, 2010 5:04 PM

The arabs are terrified

Arabs know that all of Jerusalem will soon be returned to the Jews. That is why they bricked over the gates of mercy and placed a cemetery outside it to prevent the Mosiach from entering.

(4)
Kip Gonzales,
March 21, 2010 4:17 PM

Who cares what the others say?!

I can hardly believe the rubbish that some people come up with! Some Muslim fanatics were rioting recently, because they claim the rebuilding of Hurva is a threat to the Al Aqsa Mosque, 300 meters away! Actually, they don´t like the idea that this magnificent building torn down by the Jordanians, dared to be rebuilt, with a dome that is bigger (or higher ) than the dome of Al Aqsa! They have nothing else to scream about, so they incite mobs with the news that the Jews are now going to start building a new Temple on the site of Al Aqsa! The rest of the world can´t be so blind as not to see that since 1967, nobody has been banned from visiting their holy sites while in Jerusalem! Some people can be induced to believe anything; as the saying goes, whether in fresh water or salt water, shit floats!

(3)
murray,
March 21, 2010 3:52 PM

All American Jews should read this.

You must make every effort to disseminate this to every Jewish periodical. Eighty percent of jews voted for Obama. It is said that if the election were held today-Sixty percent would do so again.

(2)
Craig Klein,
March 21, 2010 3:50 PM

Am Yisroel Chai!

Am Yisroel Chai! I hear the footsteps of Moshiach approaching, and my heart trembles in Dread and Awe ... Fear and Anticipation!

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...